Use of digital technology tools to examine patient adherence to a prescription omega-3 polyunsaturated acids therapy intended to mitigate cardiovascular risk: protocol and preliminary demographic data from the DIAPAsOn prospective observational study

Abstract

Sustained adherence and persistence with prescription medications is considered essential to achieve maximal treatment benefit for patients with major chronic non-communicable diseases such as hyperlipidemia and lipid-associated cardiovascular disease. It is widely documented, however, that a large percentage of patients with these conditions have poor longer-term compliance with their treatments. The population of Russia is affected by poor compliance in the same ways as populations elsewhere and continues to have high rates of cardiovascular disease. Hypertriglyceridemia is suspected of contributing to residual cardiovascular risk in patients whose low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is well controlled. A preparation of highly purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA/DHA=1.2/1-90%, marketed as OMACOR), is indicated for the control of high triglyceride levels and also for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI). DIAPAsON is a prospective observational program designed to evaluate the impact of digital technologies on patient compliance and adherence in a large sample of patients whose treatment scheme includes EPA/DHA=1.2/1-90%. A bespoke electronic data capture system has been developed for this purpose that enables information obtained during clinic visits to be supplemented by remote patient self-reporting. Other objectives of the program include raising patients' awareness about their condition via educational materials available in patient personal accounts in the electronic system. This report outlines the rationale and methodology of DIAPAsOn and the primary demographics of the study population.